The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1887-07-21

Q dealer be knows
J. A day or two aitcrward Mr.. Abirsn
y Levi presented himself at Megilp's studio
u and found the artist putting few fna
o touches TO Chloe Counting Her Chicks.
4 He surveyed the picture ationtively iol
e some minutes, and then, turning to Mich
8 ael Angelo, he blandly offered him floC
for H.
"why. I've had the offer OF as good AZ
g f35o for /, already exclaimed the artist
!, Indignantly.
e Mr. Levi pricked up his ears
!. "Hellol somebody bas got the start ol
, me-" he thought ruefully. "Wbo the
J deuce can ii beY"
"Well, don't mind giving You fl5C
: for it. aud perhaps you may have some
! thing else il may suit mo to pur.
} chase. he said. with glance around the
! studio. whats tbis?" be added. going
up TO a large picture very handsomely
! framed, but turned with its face to the
wall.
"A picture | sent in TO Burlington
J house last year, but il wasn't accepted, ,
stammered Michael Angelo.
"Humphl don't wonder What's the
name Of it9" went on the dealer, reading
the legend inscribed on the frame. "Mar.
gsret Mending Her Stockings" mo,
that won't suit me, it's big. ugly thing,
and shockingly raw. You've done better
work since"
"All OF which is sold, interrupted Me-
silp, in a huiied tone, Except this little
thing Sour grapes"
But again the dealer shook his head,
and took his stand before the easel on
which stood "Chloe"
II will give you $500 for it, . be said at
length.
Michael Angelo hesitated. He would
rather Levi had the picture than Zerubba-
bel; but it seemed hard that he should
make no present profit out Of this-his
best work. Every penny of the f3o0
would be swallowed up in getting clear OF
that unfortunate bill of sael
'Give me a week to think it over" he
said at last, turning abruptly to the pic
ture dealor.
"Iu doing so be caught his foot in the
support Of the easel, and the picture fell
heavily to the floor.
Goodness! what have you done?" cried
Mr.. Levi. Poor Michael was too fright
ened to speak. Together they picked up
the picture. Fortunately the canvass was
not damaged. but large corner Of the
frame was knocked off.
That's soon remedied, )" said Mr.. Levi.
"a new frame won't cost much. But, Mr..
Megilp, l hope you will think over my
offer; il may lead to further business, you
know" be amiably added. Aud he left
the artist with rather a ruefnl air, stand
ing before bis cherished picture.
"What has happened, Angy? heard
something fall. What has Mr.. Levi offer
ed you? Oh, what pity. the beautiful
frame, said Mrs Megilp, bursting into
the studio. But without waiting for an
swers TO her questions, she went on: 1--WE
Just had letter from Aunt Jane, and she
wants us to spend from Saturday till Mon
day with her. Do let me accept, |
dear. You look quite pale from over
work, and l SO long for sight Of the
country. Do let's get away from these
bothering money lenders and people, and
have holiday. I'm sure we both want
one."
"Levi has offered me $500 for Chloe,
began Megip, gravely.
"Why that's worse than Zerubbabel-
But about Aunt James invitation, Angy.
Shall accept?"
Megilp could never refuse his wife any
thing. She had evidently set her heart
upon her visit, SO, though he didn't like
leaving town at such critical moment, he
let her have her own way, and the note
accepting Aunt James invition was writ
ten and posted forthwith.
Having called at the picture trainers
aud ordered new frame for "Cbloe" and
left the key Of the studio with Mary Ann,
the housemaid, with directions to hand
over the picture to Mr.. Ormolu's repre-
sentative, Megip and bis wife left town
the following afternoon aud spent dc
lightful Sunday with Aunt Jane in Sussex
Late on Monday evening they returned
home. 'Anyo1e called while We were
away? Any letters, Mary Ann?" Mrs.
Mepilp asked as the neat housemaid met 4
her at the door.
"Oh, yes. mum, II you please, replied t
the maid volubIy. "On Saturday, soon !
after you aud master left. Mr.. Ormolu's I
young man came fer the picture the i
pretty one with the chickens; and this @
morning came dark gentleman--s jew Q
ish gentleman, should think, mum the O
same as called the other night when mas o
ter was out. And be asked me il be could y
see masters pictures; and showed him
into the drawing. / hope ! did rigbi, a
sir, )" she added, turning TO Megilp. .
"Quite right. Which pictures did you G
show himf" 2
IL asst him 10 wait minute, resumed h
Ihe girl. smoothing her apron complacent- q
y, "and made the studio look quite nice il
before showed him 10. lifted the big
picture the one OF the young lady With
two long plaits of hair hanging down her
pack -"
Margaret Mending Her Stocking, said .
Megilp. under his breath. .
"Aud put il on the easel, and !. look
"a beautiful, went on the maid glibly,
I'LL 4.anllnruan snnnani roru rrnnh tf.nL q